Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will see its first newly constructed oil refinery in nearly 50 years through a major Texas oil refinery project backed by investment from Reliance Industries.
Trump shared the development on his social media platform Truth Social, stating that America First Refining will build the refinery in Brownsville, Texas. The project is expected to strengthen domestic refining capacity and boost the country’s energy security.
“I am proud to announce that America First Refining is opening the first new U.S. oil refinery in 50 years in Brownsville, Texas,” Trump wrote in his post. The Texas oil refinery project is being seen as a key step in expanding the country’s energy infrastructure.
Reliance Signs Long-Term Fuel Purchase Agreement
The refinery project was initially developed by Element Fuels, which confirmed in 2024 that it had completed site preparation and obtained permits for a refinery capable of processing around 160,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
RIL Media Statement
At a time when global energy markets are experiencing volatility, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential fuels for Indian households remains a national priority.
Reliance Industries is taking proactive steps and in line with the Government guidelines, to…
— Reliance Industries Limited (@RIL_Updates) March 10, 2026
According to a statement from America First Refining, construction on the Texas oil refinery project is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026. The company has already signed a 20-year agreement with Reliance Industries to purchase fuel produced at the facility.
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Representatives from Reliance were not immediately available for comment, while the U.S. Department of Energy referred queries to the White House.
Energy Strategy Amid Global Tensions
The announcement comes as the U.S. government considers measures to manage rising oil prices linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The administration is reportedly evaluating options such as releasing oil from emergency reserves and providing security escorts for tankers passing through the vital shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials believe the Texas oil refinery project could help strengthen domestic fuel processing capacity and reduce pressure on existing refineries.
First Major Refinery in Five Decades
Although the United States has significantly increased oil production over the past decade due to the shale boom, the country still relies on an aging network of refineries. Several facilities have closed in recent years, tightening refining capacity.
America First Refining stated that the Texas oil refinery project will be designed to operate entirely on U.S. shale oil, supporting the government’s policy of boosting domestic energy production.
Efforts to build new refineries in the U.S. have historically struggled due to high construction costs, complex permitting requirements, and environmental opposition. A previous multi-billion-dollar refinery proposal in Arizona during the mid-2000s failed after developers were unable to secure adequate financing.
If completed as planned, the Texas oil refinery project could mark a significant milestone for the U.S. energy sector, representing the first major refinery construction in the country in half a century.